Paul's Second Deprivation explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family and Neglect

  Mr. Dombey's coldness toward Florence and his focus on business over her well-being highlight familial neglect.

• Social Class and Hierarchy

  The contrast between the Dombey household and the working-class Staggs's Gardens, along with Mr. Dombey's dismissive treatment of Walter, underscores class divisions.

• Innocence and Childhood

  Florence's trusting nature and her emotional reunion with Walter emphasize the vulnerability and purity of childhood.

Characters to notice

• Florence Dombey

  Gets lost during the visit to Staggs's Gardens and is found by Walter Gay, whom she trusts and thanks warmly.

• Walter Gay

  Finds Florence lost on the wharf, escorts her home, and is rewarded by Mr. Dombey but treated with disfavor.

• Mr. Dombey

  Reacts sternly to Florence's adventure, reprimands Polly, and shows instinctive dislike for Walter's pride in his role.

• Polly Toodle

  Takes the children to Staggs's Gardens despite misgivings; is blamed by Mrs. Chick for Florence's wandering.

• Susan Nipper

  Encourages the excursion and accompanies the children; later escorts Florence home from Walter's uncle's house.

• Solomon Gills

  Hosts Florence at his home after she is found; she dines there and becomes comfortable with him.

Key passages

• “The first shock of a great earthquake had, just at that period, rent the whole neighbourhood to its centre. Traces of its course were visible on every side. Houses were knocked down; streets broken through and stopped; deep pits and trenches dug in the ground; enormous heaps of earth and clay thrown up; buildings that were undermined and shaking, propped by great beams of wood.”

  The neighborhood was in chaos due to the construction of a new railroad, with houses demolished, streets blocked, and debris everywhere.

  Describes the disruptive impact of the railroad's construction on the area.

• “I am lost, if you please! ... I was lost this morning, a long way from here—and I have had my clothes taken away, since—and I am not dressed in my own now—and my name is Florence Dombey, my little brother's only sister—and, oh dear, dear, take care of me, if you please!”

  Florence explains to Walter that she is lost, her clothes were stolen, and she asks for his help.

  Florence's plea to Walter after being lost.

• “You are a boy, and what you think of, or affect to think of, is of little consequence. You have done well, Sir. Don't undo it.”

  Mr. Dombey dismisses Walter's feelings and warns him not to spoil his good deed.

  Mr. Dombey's cold and dismissive response to Walter's role in finding Florence.